Since I was a teenager, I loved to read about places to travel. Every Sunday when the paper came, I would go to the travel section and dream of these faraway places I wanted to go. Both my parents had traveled all over the world. I never grew tired of their stories - they fueled my desire.

It was my 17th birthday; I was given the book, Isles of the Caribbean. I read it thoroughly. For years, I had talked about different islands, the unique sites to see and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.  

Next week, I get to see a dream come true. We are leaving for Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and we’ll be right on the Caribbean. To say I’m excited is an understatement.

Part of me is in disbelief. Is this really happening? The other part of me can’t stop thinking about it and I’m losing some sleep. Will I get to the point where I can calm the inner child? I don’t know. I haven’t taken a trip like this before.

I’ve traveled around to different parts of the country but this is the first time having to use a passport.

As a kid, there were family vacations. Most were road trips. It was fun; you see more of the countryside this way.

I was 18 when I first flew on a plane. Mom and I were going to Dallas to see a family friend. I was excited, even with the turbulence experience.

Horseback riding in the Bighorns; camping in Glacier National Park, hiking in Arizona and Colorado; walking the hills of Kentucky; dining at Windows of the World in New York and swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off the Florida coast, have been great experiences. I love to travel.

We’ve done some research on things to do in Punta Cana. Top on our list is: deep sea fishing, horseback riding on the beach and an excursion out to Isla Saona or Isla Catalina (maybe both) and swimming with the dolphins (me).  

There is a lot of snorkeling. Some of the best in the Caribbean. I love to swim underwater. One small issue - I don’t like to have fish or weeds touch me. How do I do this? The pictures I’ve seen are spectacular. The colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs, make it tantalizing. I’m thinking about it.

I am on the fence about the stingray experience. You’re in shallow water walking around and they swim by you. It looks cool and people seem to enjoy it. I’ve been told by friends, “You need to go do this - it’s amazing.”  I’m thinking about this too. Maybe when I am there and see it happening in front of me, I’ll find courage and try it. There is so much to see and explore.

The resort is picture perfect. Tiki huts and lounge chairs scattered on the white sandy beach. Flamingos and peacocks walk around. Beautiful flowers and landscaping surround you and capture the tropical feel. 

The pool is dream-like, with an island of palm trees in the middle. Oh, and there are monkeys too.

Both Scott and I like meeting people. We will enjoy learning about the culture and make some new friends.

The music is inviting and sets the relaxing Caribbean vibe. I like to dance. It doesn’t matter the music, if it has a good beat, I’ll be moving. Scott knows.

I found the Merengue is the “national music and dance of the Dominican.” I’m going to try it. 

First and foremost, we plan to relax, soak up some rays, dip our toes in the sand and bask in the warmth of the turquoise sea - paradise at last.  

As I write this column, I am getting more and more excited and pumped for this trip. An adventure awaits and a dream is about to come true.               

“Smell the sea, feel the sky and let your soul and spirit fly.”  

Sounds good.